Puglia: The Sun-bleached Heel of Italy

Occupying the heel of Italy’s boot and coastline, Puglia is the best bet for travelers seeking to avoid crowded regions like Tuscany. It is a favored escape within Italy with long sandy beaches, beautiful coastal towns, tantalizing cuisine, etc. which altogether makes Puglia the perfect choice for a seaside family holiday. Take a look why it must be your next destination for your holiday with family.

Why Puglia is a Must Include in Your Italy Itinerary?

 

Apulian Sandy Beaches

This Italian region is a treasure-trove of amazing shores, intimate rocky coves from the Gargano peninsula to the stiletto heel of Salento. Puglia boasts 4 kilometer stretch of Torre Lapillo, a shallow tilt of the shore which is ideal for young children. Also, you can find lovely beaches at Pescoluse, the Maldives of Puglia.

Ideal for: people who love the warm sea and pristine sands

 

Zoo Safari and Amusement Park

Just a few minutes’ drive away from the Itria Valley, you can find the Fasano Zoo Safari and Amusement Park. Zoo Safari is a part of a large theme park called Fasanolandia. Drive-through the safari is the main highlight of the theme park to entertain your family. Children will get thrilled of being so close to the big cats, monkeys, giraffes, llamas, ostriches, zebras, etc.

Ideal for: toddlers to teenagers. Family outing here is fun.

 

Scuba Diving and Snorkeling

The pleasant temperatures of sea water here is perfect for the first time divers allowing them to spend long hours. Your kids can sample underwater exploration or scuba diving via short test courses in scuba diving centers. If your kids are not interested in scuba diving, they’ve got wonderful snorkeling to explore around the rock formations on the coast.

Ideal for: All age groups

 

Festivals

You’ll find quite a few food and music festivals in Italy to immerse in the local culture and traditions. Puglia is no exception; major festivals take place during its warm summer months. Younger children might enjoy following the brass brands that parade around the towns. They would love exploring the hustle and bustle Italian towns in night with a browse of the street stalls.

Ideal for: all ages

 

Caving

Dates back to 90 million years, the Castellana Caves are must-visit attraction of the region. Descend to a depth of 60 metres, the caverns are filled with astonishing stalactite and stalagmite-spikes. However, these aren’t the only caves to visit; there are hidden coves, water-filled caves to see near Santa Cesarea alle Terme.

Ideal for: Children aged from seven and above

 

What to eat?

Puglia is a great place for food as it is rich in agricultural produces. This region produces almost half of Italy’s olive oil. Also, it’s a leader in red wine production. The rustic cooking makes the most of its local produce such as artichokes, olives, fava beans, rocket, courgettes, and many more. Puglia is the best place to go to pamper your senses if you’re a food and wine lover.

• Don’t miss tasting maccheroni al forno. It is pasta prepared with hard-boiled eggs, meatballs, and other ingredients and baked in a pie crust.
• Roast lamb is another culinary delight that you shouldn’t miss.
• Sweetened ricotta is a famous dessert to taste.
• Seafood is tantalizing in this Italian region. Its seafood treats include red mullet, cuttlefish, sea bass, anchovies and mussels.

When to go?

Because of the region’s gentle Mediterranean climate, Puglia is pleasant year-round. July and August are usually the busiest months, as many Italians choose to take a vacation here. Avoid peak season if you’re traveling with young kids. Out of high season, the region is idyllic and relaxed with pleasant temperatures.

How to Reach & Where to Stay?

Bari Karol Wojtyła Airport is the main airport serving Bari, the capital of Puglia. Bari Karol Wojtyła Airport is also known as Palese Airport is well connected with Italian destinations and popular international cities. The views, the hospitality, and everything about Puglia hotels is praise-worthy. Choose from a range of luxurious to budget hotels in Puglia.